Collier officials shoot down Naples to Miami trail

A proposed hike and bike trail through the Everglades from Naples to Miami is no more. The plan to connect the two cities was taken off the table on Friday afternoon.

The day started with a prayer circle before people packed the board room, most opposing the River of Grass Greenway.

“No is the answer,” said opponent Thomas Keene-Wall.

For hours, speakers took the podium calling on the Metropolitan Planning Organization board members to remove the pathway from any future maps. It would run through the Everglades and tribal land – something most people at the meeting strongly opposed.

“We won't stop. I won't stop, and I know there are others like me that will not stop. We won't stop until people understand that we have to protect our earth,” Keene-Wall said.

Nearly 100 people packed the meeting room. When the MPO board members decided to remove the project from the maps, the celebration was heard throughout the building.

“This project would have been a doorway to encourage more development of the Everglades,” said Betty Osceola, a member of the Miccosukee Indian tribe.

People traveled to the meeting from across the state and country to stand with the Miccosukee and Seminole tribes.

“We are the voice of the Everglades so we want to protect all that is sacred, and the Everglades are, of course, very sacred to us,” said opponent Wayne William Snellgrove.

They say that voice was heard.

“We’re elated today that we were able to stop this project,” Osceola said.